MUMBAI, India — India's navy on Wednesday simultaneously launched a submarine, a destroyer and a frigate built at a state-run shipyard, underscoring the importance of protecting the Indian Ocean region through which 95% of the country's trade moves amid a strong Chinese presence.

New Delhi launches three domestically built vessels as it seeks to compete with China for influence across Asia Pacific.

India's navy launched a submarine, a destroyer and a frigate simultaneously on Wednesday to counter China's expansion into the Indian Ocean.

The launch underscores the importance of the Indian Ocean region, through which 95% of the country's trade moves.

India’s navy has launched a submarine, a destroyer and a frigate, underlining the importance of protecting its crucial Indian Ocean trade route amid a strong Chinese presence. The move came as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the Atlantic Ocean’s importance has shifted to the Indian Ocean region,